Kidney stones involve a combination of factors, and almost all stones are formed when chemicals that are normally suspended in and pass with urination remain in the kidneys, creating crystals. Ed Ren, of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Renal Unit in Scotland reports on his website that stones attach to the inside of the kidneys and are more likely to appear if urine is very concentrated and acidic.
Men are more prone to them than women, as are people between the ages of 30 and 60 years old. Kidney stones usually contain calcium oxalate crystals, but other types of stones are also common, such as struvite crystals and especially uric acid crystals. Prevention and early detection are important in the treatment of kidney stones. Organic apple cider vinegar is a natural folk remedy used successfully for treatment.
According to Dr. Theodore Baroody, in his book "Alkalinize or Die," although apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, it has an alkalinizing effect on the blood and urine. The natural digestive process in the stomach includes the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and bicarbonate, a highly basic digestive juice produced by the pancreas. The action of the bicarbonate is to alkalinize stomach digest, including HCl, as part of the process of preparing the food for further digestion and elimination. Apple cider vinegar aids both in the overall digestive process stimulating the production of more HCL because of its nature to be alkaline-forming when in the body. It assists further down the line in the conversion of urine and blood into an alkaline-forming state. Baroody goes on to say, when referring to kidney stones: "By reducing acid-forming products from entering the body, the chances are better that this painful acid condition will not assail you."
Step 1
Mix 1 to 2 tsp. organic apple cider vinegar (ACV), containing the cloudy substance called the "mother of vinegar," with 6 to 8 oz. of fresh water and repeat frequently throughout the day, including during an acute attack, to dissolve stones. Then use once or twice a day to prevent the formation of new stones. Baroody, as well as Robert and Shelly Redford Young in their book "The pH Miracle," recommend using ACV in this manner.
Step 2
Add 1 tsp. ACV to 2 tsp. raw organic honey if you dislike the taste of the vinegar or if it is too strong. Repeat as often as you like until you get relief. Both organic apple cider vinegar and raw honey are widely available in health food stores.
Step 3
Use apple cider vinegar as a salad dressing or condiment.
Step 4
Cut back the dose of the vinegar if you experience any stomach discomfort and work your way back up to the recommended dose for prevention and treatment of kidney stones.
Step 5
Use apple cider vinegar as a topical treatment in the form of a poultice. Mix the vinegar with water in a 1-to-1 ratio and heat on the stove until warm, but not to where it burns your hand. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and apply to the spot on your body where you are feeling pain. Leave in place until the cloth cools, then repeat.
Tips and Warnings
Apple cider vinegar is an old folk remedy used for many, many conditions due to its alkaline-forming abilities, raising the body's pH and preventing or relieving many conditions.
ACV works well to cure smaller kidney stones and to prevent new ones from forming. It may also dissolve larger stones as long as you are not undergoing a severe acute attack that doesn't abate in several hours. The above suggestions are offered for educational purposes. If you have tried any or all of them during an acute kidney stone attack and have not experienced relief within a few hours, seek medical attention immediately.
References
"Alkalinize or Die"; Dr. Theodore Baroody; 1991
"The pH Miracle"; Robert Young and Shelly Redford Young; 2003
